Kerala politicians’ tryst with sports gaffes continue

After Kerala Sports Minister EP Jayarajan, it is now the turn of Congress leader K Sudhakaran to turn red-faced after committing a blunder at a press conference. The ex-Kannur MP referred to Anju Bobby George’s brother-in-law Jimmy George as her husband while attempting to attack Jayarajan.

When Sports Minister EP Jayarajan referred to boxer Muhammad Ali as “a prominent personality in Kerala's sports scenario”, and thanked him for winning several gold medals for the state, it seemed like the worst possible gaffe. But, Congress leader K Sudhakaran took it to a whole new level in a press conference on Thursday.

Taking about Jayarajan after the two-time Olympian Anju Bobby George accused the Sports Minister of threatening her and the Kerala Sports Council, he referred to one of India’s greatest volleyball players Jimmy George as Anju Geroge’s husband. In reality, Jimmy was the elder brother of Robert Bobby George, a former national champion, and Anju George’s husband cum coach. Jimmy died in 1987 in an accident in Italy.

According to Indiatoday.in, K Sudhakaran told a TV channel, "Who doesn't know Anju? Not just Anju, her husband Jimmy George and his entire family who had dedicated their life for sports." He also reportedly demanded that Jayarajan, who hails from Kannur, should be removed from the ministry.

Learning life’s biggest lessons on the field, I fell in love with badminton, Rahul Dravid, Liverpool and Rafael Nadal. If there’s sport in the air you can’t keep me away. Friends, food, fun and a quick sense of humor are a necessity. The first words out of my mouth? “Let the games begin!”